Palm Springs
The L-Fund 3rd Annual Gumbo Gala at the Palm Springs Pavilion will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. The gala event will raise much needed funds to support the lesbian community throughout the year.
The L-Fund is the Coachella Valley’s only organization to provide support for lesbians experiencing a one-time financial crisis. Established in 2012 to assist lesbians with funding due to financial crises, the L-Fund works with immediate needs for medication, medical emergencies, rent, air conditioning, etc. with funds available from 24 to 48 hours from the time of the request. Requests are typically from women who have had unexpected financial catastrophes which then leave them short of money for basic essentials. The L-Fund makes every effort to help these women to continue to support themselves with dignity. While they cannot address chronic poverty, they are here for the urgent needs. Criteria for assistance is found on their website.
“L-Fund started around a kitchen table with several of us deciding to help someone,” explains Barbara J. Carpenter, President of L-Fund, “It inspires me everyday that it has grown to this level. Since we launched in 2012 we’ve helped scores of lesbians and granted thousands of dollars. The need is real and the requests continue to come in.”
The event features the award-winning gumbo of Chef Betty Berrysmith and will honor author Katherine V. Forrest. Forrest has written 16 works of fiction that are found in bookstore around the world. Her works include lesbian classics such as Curious Wine, An Emergence of Green, the nine-volume Kate Delafield mystery series, and Daughters of a Coral Dawn, the first novel in the award-winning lesbian-feminist utopian trilogy.
Also appearing will be special guest Kate Kendell, Esq., Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Gennine Jackson will provide entertainment. Jackson is known for her powerful and expressive voice and renditions of jazz standards and hot fabulous dance music.
With Chef Betty Berrysmith on the organization’s Board of Directors, it’s only natural that the L-Fund’s major fundraiser for the year would be a Gumbo Gala. Chef Berrysmith has won several awards for her outstanding gumbos!
This year’s Gumbo Gala is scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, April 2 at the Palm Springs Pavilion.
As she has in previous years, Chef Berrysmith will create two gumbos for the afternoon affair – a traditional gumbo with seafood, roasted chicken and sausage, along with a vegetarian option.
If You Go: The L-Fund Annual Gumbo Gala
When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2017
Where: Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 Pavilion Way, Palm Springs
Details: Chef Betty Berrysmith creates her award-winning gumbo in two versions – a seafood, roast chicken and sausage gumbo and a vegetarian version for those who do not consume meat or seafood. The afternoon also includes spectacular live entertainment, dancing and an awards presentation.
Tickets are $65 until March 1st
$75: March 1 – April 1
$85: At the door
Information/Tickets: http://l-fund.org or call (760) 304-8487
